How To Use CPT Code 90389

CPT 90389 describes the administration of tetanus immune globulin (TIg) for intramuscular use. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 90389?

CPT 90389 can be used to describe the administration of tetanus immune globulin (TIg) for intramuscular use. This code is used when a healthcare provider injects TIg into the patient’s muscle, such as the arm or back, to provide short-term immunity against tetanus. TIg is prepared from the plasma of a human donor sensitized to tetanus toxin and helps the body protect itself against tetanus.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 90389 is: ‘Tetanus immune globulin (TIg), human, for intramuscular use.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider selects an appropriately sized needle and slowly administers the tetanus immune globulin (TIg) injection into the patient’s muscle, such as the arm or back.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 90389 is used when a healthcare provider administers tetanus immune globulin (TIg) for intramuscular use. This procedure is typically performed to provide short-term immunity against tetanus. The patient may require TIg if they have a high risk of tetanus infection, such as a deep or dirty wound, or if they have not received a tetanus vaccine within the past 10 years.

5. When to use CPT code 90389

CPT code 90389 should be used when a healthcare provider administers tetanus immune globulin (TIg) for intramuscular use. It is important to ensure that the injection is performed correctly and that the appropriate dosage of TIg is administered. This code should not be used for other types of immune globulin administration or for other purposes unrelated to tetanus prevention.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 90389, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for administering tetanus immune globulin (TIg)
• Date and time of the injection
• Location of the injection site
• Dosage of TIg administered
• Signature of the healthcare provider administering the injection

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 90389, ensure that the healthcare provider is administering tetanus immune globulin (TIg) for intramuscular use. It is important to use the appropriate dosage and document the necessary information to support the claim. CPT code 90389 should not be reported with other codes unless there are specific circumstances that warrant additional reporting.

8. Historical information

CPT code 90389 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1999. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider administers tetanus immune globulin (TIg) to a patient with a deep and dirty wound to prevent tetanus infection.
2. A patient who has not received a tetanus vaccine within the past 10 years receives tetanus immune globulin (TIg) after stepping on a rusty nail.
3. A healthcare provider administers tetanus immune globulin (TIg) to a patient who has a high risk of tetanus infection due to a puncture wound from a contaminated object.
4. A patient who has not received a tetanus vaccine within the past 10 years receives tetanus immune globulin (TIg) after a severe burn injury.
5. A healthcare provider administers tetanus immune globulin (TIg) to a patient who has a deep wound caused by a dog bite.
6. A patient who has not received a tetanus vaccine within the past 10 years receives tetanus immune globulin (TIg) after a motorcycle accident.
7. A healthcare provider administers tetanus immune globulin (TIg) to a patient who has a high risk of tetanus infection due to a contaminated surgical instrument.
8. A patient who has not received a tetanus vaccine within the past 10 years receives tetanus immune globulin (TIg) after a gardening accident.
9. A healthcare provider administers tetanus immune globulin (TIg) to a patient who has a deep wound caused by a rusty metal object.
10. A patient who has not received a tetanus vaccine within the past 10 years receives tetanus immune globulin (TIg) after a construction site injury.